Living frugally in 2025......

Justcrackingonwithit

@Cherryfudge thank you, it’s really boosted my confidence, really happy with them. Got a couple of other painting jobs to do in the new year. 

It’s funny you should say that about replacing shopping with something, I only thought today I need a hobby, it’s a good suggestion. There’s  a charity cafe near me and I was thinking about volunteering. I like walking too, so might set myself a goal of walking x miles a week. I’ll definitely give it some thought, thank you. 

@PracticalPatty I love chicken wings, not tried turkey ones.

jwil

Just found your diary and subscribed.  Well done on the wardrobes!

Sarahwithlove

Maybe try and make a list of things you can do or try when you have free time at weekend. That way when you don't fancy one thing you can look at it and find something else. 

Justcrackingonwithit

Thanks @jwil 🥰

That’s a great idea @Sarahwithlove I will definitely do that as I always think of things afterwards and think why didn’t I do that. It also made me think I might put things in my diary as I see them, events or gigs I might want to attend, and that way it’ll remind me what’s on when.

So, not the most frugal day today, my friends came for coffee and mince pies which was great and saved me a tenner  in take out coffee. So why then did I think nipping to the supermarket was a good idea…..18.00 later……🙈

Then I saw on FB someone had got an Aldi too good to go bag, and it looked amazing, well worth the money so I downloaded the app and got a surprise grocery bag for 3.00 that should be worth 10.00. I pick it up tomorrow.  So 21.00 at the supermarket after I said I wasn’t going. This is a habit I really need to stop.

Day at home tomorrow, I really need to keep busy and not shop. So, the plan is:

A walk around the local country park.
Clean my car.
I’ve got a bit more painting to do, not much though.
Hoover the stairs and wipe down the paintwork.

Going to think of a bucket list or challenges that I can put together for things I want to do or achieve in the next month or two, and things that don’t include shopping!!! Any idea’s greatfully received 😊

Sun_Addict

What sort of things would you like to achieve? I find it easier to start with the end goal then work backwards with a plan of how I’m going to get there. A goal is just a wish without a plan 🙂 Maybe you could join some of the challenges on the boards to start with. 

Justcrackingonwithit

I need to really sit and think about that @Sun_Addict, I’m just not sure what a want to achieve, but I know what ever it is it has to be free or cheap!!! Something to mull over during the Christmas break xx

Justcrackingonwithit

Afternoon all and happy Christmas Eve.  So disappointingly my too good to go bag was cancelled as there was no surplus food….feel very disappointed about that!

On the plus side I’ve had a productive day, I’ve finished the painting, deep cleaned the stairs and landing and been a walk around the county park. I can’t believe how mild it is today, I’ve not needed the heating on at all.

And bonus points as I’ve not been near the supermarket today 😂😇

lilian1977

My TGTG bag from Greggs was massive because she forgot anyone was coming so just let us pick anything we wanted!

Have a great day today x

Justcrackingonwithit

Oh how lovely @lilian1977 I have to say I was gutted mine was cancelled!  First time I'd used the app too.  Will keep an eye out and try and get one in the new year.  You have a great day too x

Justcrackingonwithit

Happy Christmas everyone.  So, this is the first time I've woken up on Christmas morning on my own, in my own home.  I was dreading it to be honest, but it's been better than I thought.  I've had a nice breakfast and a lovely coffee, the sun is shining and I am actually feeling pretty happy......

Spent a bit of time this morning looking at my finances:

CC1 1597.00
CC2 3356.00
Both on 0% for 15 months
Loan 6970.00
EF 300.00

So the plan is pay 250.00 off loans one and 2 every month. The loan is for 3 years.  This should mean loan 1 will be paid in 6 months and loan 2 in 12 months.  250.00 to the EF.

Once CC 1 is paid off I'm going to increase the EF payments a bit and also pay a bit more off the loan. 

Once I've built up my EF to 1,000 I will then make inroads to pay off the loan sooner.  There will be a small penalty to paying it up earlier, but it will be nice to be paid of in 2 years rather than 3.

There is still a bit of wiggle room in the budget then for a treat or two......

Still thinking on my goals and challenges for the upcoming year.  One of them is definitely to get fitter, I'm conscious that I'm in my 50's and not as fit as I used to be.  I enjoy getting out in the fresh air and walking, so thinking I might set myself a challenge of walking 10 miles a week.  I went out yesterday and did 3 miles round a local country park and I felt so much better after it.  

I'd also like to learn another language, so thinking about doing that. 

I enjoy reading, although don't read anything too heavy, so thinking I might revisit some of the classics I read at school. I need to investigate if there is a library local to me. I don't need an excuse to visit the charity shops..... 

Hope everyone is having a lovely day, what ever you are doing x